Re: How Was the Curry Branch?

Taylor and all interested.
It was a spectacular day, not too warm, overcast and wet. We started the hike near the reservoir at the site of a curved, climbing trestle and water tower. For about 5 miles the grade is pretty much the same as it was when they pulled the rail. Some great fills and cuts, with lots of nice views of the valley. It climbs at a steady 4 percent (at least), and would be soooo much fun to pull an empty log train up with the Heisler. Not too sure how much fun it would be to bring a loaded log train down it however.
As you mentioned, we found a wreck site, which may be the one pictured in Mall's book. Found some stuff, and will go back for more extensive looking.
The big trestle still shows signs of timber and the concrete bases are visiable, as well as the b arrels used for water are all at the bottom of the gulley.
We will drive the portion that is open towards the top, then hike the rest of it to see where it connects (and how) to the line running down into Whitney valley, maybe sometime this season.
The Night Train was protected by the great steam god, as it was raining buckets up to about an hour before the departure time from Sumpter, then the clouds cleared up and it was a typical crystal clear evening with a bazillion stars shining for our guests.
Thanks
Ron